MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Bangsamoro government's Ministry of Health (MOH) and the provincial government here are warning Lanao del Sur residents about buying or using fake COVID-19 vaccination cards.
This, as more business establishments and neighboring provinces and cities begin requiring proof of vaccination for entry.
"Yun pong nagtatangka dyan or nagnanais na pekehin ang mga vaccination card we are sending this message to you that the provincial government of Lanao del Sur is very serious on instituting criminal cases against those offenders," said Provincial Board Member Allan Panolong.
[We are sending this message to you that the provincial government of Lanao del Sur is very serious about instituting criminal cases against those offenders.]
He said appropriate criminal action will be filed against any person who would be caught falsifying the vaccination card as it is considered a criminal offense under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.
MOH Minister Dr. Bashary Latiph backed the provincial government saying using fake vaccination cards is tantamount to falsification of a public document which is punishable by law.
"Sa mga taong namemeke nito para lang makalusot sa mall at sa checkpoint, mag ingat po kayo. Mas mabuti na yung kuha kayo ng original at mabakunahan kayo," he advised.
[For people who are faking it just to get through the mall and the checkpoint, be careful. You should get the original and be vaccinated.]
Latiph said opting for a fake vaccination card instead of getting vaccinated is not only illegal but also risky for the community.
According to him, if individuals would secure the fake vaccination card, the government's vaccination program which is intended to protect the citizenry from Covid-19 will not succeed.
"Ang vaccination card ay libreng ipinamimigay ng MOH, IPHO at CHO ng Lanao del Sur at Marawi City. Huwag po tayong mag-attempt na mameke ng vaccination card. Vaccine lang naman ang kailangan," he said.
[The vaccination card is given free of charge by MOH, IPHO and CHO of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City. Let's not attempt to fake a vaccination card. All you need is a vaccine.]
The health minister also disclosed that after the Bayanihan Bakunahan they would focus on the crackdown of fake immunization cards.
With this, he appealed to Bangsamoro people to get vaccinated to secure an original immunization card.
"Magpabakuna po kayo, libre naman ang bakuna. Huwag nating hintayin ang panahon na may bayad na ito. Habang mayroon pang pondo ang gobyerno para bumili ng bakuna, e take advantage niyo ito para atleast mabakanuhan kayo at kaakibat o kasama nito ang original na vaccination card," Latiph further said.
[Get vaccinated, the vaccine is free. Let’s not wait for the time when it's not for free. While the government still has the funds to buy the vaccine, take advantage of it so that at least you can be vaccinated and get the original vaccination card] (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)
